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Best California King Mattress
Our Top Picks
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Best Overall Mattress
Helix Midnight -
Best Value Mattress
Silk & Snow Mattress -
Most Comfortable Mattress
DreamCloud Classic Hybrid -
Best Luxury Mattress
Saatva Latex Hybrid -
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Layla Hybrid
Best Overall Mattress
The Helix Midnight was designed for side sleepers between 130 to 230 pounds, but our tests show its medium firm (6) design is suitable for a wide range of sleeper types. The mattress also sleeps fairly cool, and a reinforced perimeter limits sinkage when you sleep along the edges.
Best Value Mattress
The Silk & Snow Mattress adaptive all-foam design should hit the sweet spot for anyone seeking a balance of cushioning and support. Approachable pricing and free shipping throughout the U.S. and Canada also make the mattress a solid pick for budget-conscious shoppers.
Most Comfortable Mattress
The DreamCloud Mattress is a medium firm (6) luxury hybrid with adaptive foam layers and a robust coil system. This combination of cushioning comfort layers and sturdy support give the mattress broad appeal across different body types and sleep positions.
Best Luxury Mattress
The Saatva Latex Hybrid uses zoned latex and coil layers, resulting in extra reinforcement for your midsection and a gentler feel for lighter areas of the body. The mattress also excels at temperature control, and all orders come with free White Glove delivery and a 365-night trial.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
With a medium soft (4) feel on one side and a firm (7) feel on the other, the Layla Hybrid’s flippable foam hybrid design provides excellent cushioning for side sleepers across different weight groups. The mattress also sleeps exceptionally cool and feels secure along the perimeter.
Compare Our Top Picks
| Mattress | Mattress Type | Ideal For | Value | Sleep Trial |
| Helix Midnight | Hybrid | Combination Sleepers | Good Value | 100 nights (30-night requirement) |
| Silk & Snow Mattress | Foam | Combination Sleepers | Great Value | 365 nights (30-night requirement) |
| DreamCloud Classic Hybrid | Hybrid | Combination Sleepers | Great Value | 365 nights (30-night requirement) |
| Saatva Latex Hybrid | Hybrid | Hot Sleepers | Good Value | 365 Nights ($99 Return Fee) |
| Layla Hybrid | Hybrid | Side Sleepers Of Any Weight | Great Value | 120 nights |
Why You Should Trust Us
The testing team includes individuals of diverse body types and sleeping positions. We have this range of sleepers to help give us a better view of how each mattress performs for different needs and preferences, which is particularly important to consider when testing mattresses that are meant to be shared by two people.
In addition to the extensive testing performed by our team, our sleep experts also put each mattress through a series of objective tests, such as pressure mapping and temperature control. Our recommendations for the best California king mattresses are the result of many hours of careful research.
More Mattress Size Options
Who is a California King Mattress Best For?
California king size mattresses are designed for two sleepers. They tend to be preferred by taller people and those who sleep with pets.
- Taller Individuals: California king mattresses are 4 inches longer than regular king mattresses, making them a logical choice for individuals who need more leg room.
- Couples Wanting the Extra Length: Extra length at the end of the bed can be convenient when sleeping with a partner, particularly if you disagree on whether to tuck in the blanket at the feet.
- Those With Long, Rectangular Bedrooms: In addition to being a little longer than king size mattresses, California king models are also slightly narrower. This makes them well suited to longer and narrower bedrooms, especially those that have less space at each side of the bed.
- People Who Share the End of the Bed With a Pet: Though it’s narrower than a standard king size mattress, the California king size allows more space for your pet to snuggle up at your feet.
Pros
- More leg room for taller people and those who sleep with pets
- A good compromise for people who find
Cons
- Often sold in split configurations that let each sleeper personalize their side of the bed
- Less suitable for people with small, square bedrooms
- While fairly common, not every company sells this size
What's the Difference Between a King and a California King?
King size mattresses measure 76 by 80 inches, whereas California king size mattresses measure 72 by 84 inches. These dimensions may vary slightly between manufacturers.
Both king and California king mattresses are considered standard sizes and are usually available from most mattress manufacturers. Many people consider king size a logical step up from the queen size, as these two models have the same length. In this respect, California king mattresses are an anomaly with their longer, thinner shape.
When choosing between the two sizes, it helps to consider your personal preferences, the size and shape of your bedroom, and whether you will be sharing the bed with a partner or a pet.
| King vs. California King | |
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Leg Room |
California king mattresses offer 4 inches of additional leg room compared with standard king mattresses, at the expense of room at the sides of the bed to stretch out widthwise. |
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Availability of Bedding |
Although king size accessories might be slightly easier to find, most companies sell both king and California king options for bedding and bed frames. |
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Price |
King size and California king size mattress prices are often identical or nearly identical. These are the two most expensive of the standard mattress sizes, which is something to consider if you need to purchase bedding as well. |
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Mattress Weight |
As the largest standard mattress sizes, California king and king sizes weigh more than their smaller counterparts. If you anticipate trouble moving the bed, one option is to purchase a split model with two sides that can be moved independently. |
What About a Split California King Mattress?
A split California king mattress consists of two mattresses placed side by side. Each mattress measures 36 inches in width and 84 inches in length. These are popular with couples who have different sleep preferences, as each side of the bed can feature a different firmness and can move independently on an adjustable base. Not all manufacturers offer split California king sizes.
What Other Types of King Mattress Sizes Are Out There?
Other oversized mattress variants include the Alaskan, Wyoming, and Texas king mattresses.
At 84 by 84 inches, Wyoming king mattresses are perfectly square. They may be suitable for taller individuals who also value the ability to spread out.
Texas king mattresses measure 80 by 98 inches, allowing significantly more leg room for taller individuals or those with pets.
At 108 by 108 inches, it’s very rare to see beds bigger than an Alaskan king. These may be preferred by families who sleep together with more than two people in the bed.
What You Should Know About Buying a California King Mattress
If you’re considering purchasing a California king mattress, there are some practical considerations to take into account.
Bedding and Bed Frame Sizes
A new mattress is a significant investment, particularly if you need to buy matching bedding and a new bed frame. California king mattresses are too long for a standard king size bed frame, and you may find you need longer sheets as well. Before buying your mattress, check prices for accessories so you can account for these in your budget.
Doorways, Hallways, and Room Size
Measurements are particularly important when buying larger mattress sizes like a California king. In addition to planning the floor space necessary for your new bed, don’t forget to measure hallways, doorways, and staircases or elevators if you live in an apartment building.
Mattresses that are compressed for shipping can be transported more easily and will fit into tighter spaces before they are unboxed, so don’t unpack the mattress until it has reached its final destination. If you need to transport the mattress through tight spaces, consider buying a split California king mattress and bed frame.
Mattress Weight, Mattress Type, and Movability
Foam mattresses are usually the lightest, although higher-density foams may weigh more. Hybrids have added weight from the metal coils, and latex mattresses tend to be the heaviest as well as the most awkward to move. While smaller mattresses can be lifted by one or two people, California king mattresses may require three or four pairs of hands after they are unboxed.
